The Best Apple Watches for Fitness Tracking
When it comes to fitness tracking, the Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches on the market. The Apple Watch allows users to track their steps, sleep patterns, general health, etc. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast three different models of the Apple Watch: Nike, SE, and 7. We will discuss their features and how they can be used for fitness tracking.
The best apple watches for fitness tracking in 2022 are:
- Apple Watch Nike
- Apple Watch 7
- Apple Watch SE
Scroll down to read our reviews and comparisons.
Do You Need an iPhone to Have an Apple Watch?
Yes and no. The Apple Watch is an excellent product because it has many advanced features. However, the watch requires an iPhone to set up the device; so far, there is no way around that.
This is because, since its inception in 2015, Apple Watches have been seen as a companion device for your iPhone. Unfortunately, this also means that you can’t use an iPad to set up the watch.
Apple Watches are not standalone devices like some Android watches. So if you have an Android phone and are looking for a fitness tracker, we don’t recommend the Apple Watch because the two are not compatible.
Is the Apple Fitness App Good?
Like many other fitness trackers, the Apple Watch pairs nicely with an app that records all your fitness data and workout summaries – in this case: Apple Fitness. It is an excellent service that comes with eligible new Apple Watch purchases. Apple Fitness is free to download.
Apple Fitness Workout Summaries



For an annual fee, you receive access to Apple Fitness+, which includes the following features:
- New workouts each week ranging from 5-45 minutes
- Personalized recommendations based on your fitness level and preferences
- Progress tracking to stay motivated
- A way to connect with friends in real-time while you work out using SharePlay.
Generally, you can get a few months free with your purchase. However, keep in mind that this service is optional, and you are not required to purchase it to use your Apple Watch. And the regular Apple Fitness app does a lot already.
The Best Apple Watches for Fitness in 2022
Apple Watch Nike

The Apple Watch Nike is one of the best fitness watches on the market and carries a price tag to prove it. It has all the features of the Series 7, but with a few added bonuses. For example, the Nike watch band is a soft, comfortable fabric with perforations to help air circulate.
The watch itself is also slightly lighter and has a unique Nike Run Club app that helps you track your runs, coaches you, and connects you with a community of like-minded fitness freaks. Plus, the new Bounce feature moves as you move. You’ll also have access to exclusive watch faces, bands, and a Nike Swoosh shortcut to the Nike Run Club app.
It has a built-in GPS, and it’s water-resistant, so you can swim in a pool or open water with no worries. It also has a heart rate monitor to keep track of your target heart rate while exercising. The battery can last 18 hours.
This model can be made of Aluminum, Titanium, and Stainless steel. The Aluminum models have Ion-X front glass, while the Titanium and Stainless steel have sapphire front crystals.
Other notable features:
- Water-resistance at 50 meters
- Always-On Retina display that is 50% larger than the Series 3
- Blood Oxygen app
- ECG app
- High, Low, irregular heart rate notifications
The best features: faster charge (up to 33%), fall detection, emergency SOS, international emergency calling, most crack-resistant front crystal.
Apple Watch 7

For those interested in the GPS + Cellular option or just the GPS for fitness users, the Apple Watch 7 is a good contender. It remains a pricey option but not quite to the tune of the Apple Watch Nike. In addition, the screen is slightly larger than the Apple Watch SE. With the roomier screen, you’ll have access to two new watch faces, an on-screen keyboard, and two additional text sizes not available to other models.
It’s water-resistant, so you can swim in a pool or open water with no worries. It also has a heart rate monitor, so you can keep track of your target heart rate while exercising. The battery can last 18 hours. This model can be made of Aluminum, Titanium, and Stainless steel. The Aluminum models have Ion-X front glass, while the Titanium and Stainless steel have sapphire front crystals.
Other notable fitness features:
- Always-On Retina display that is 50% larger than the Series 3
- Blood Oxygen app
- ECG app
- High, Low, irregular heart rate notifications
The best features: Faster charge (up to 33%), Fall detection, emergency SOS, international emergency calling, most crack-resistant front crystal.
The differences: The Series 7 is more advanced than the SE, identical to the Nike version, but missing the exclusive Nike features. Otherwise, Nike and Series 7 offer the same features for fitness users.
Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch SE has many similar features to the Series 7 but is missing some advanced features. However, as a trade-off, it’s also more affordable. It has powerful features to keep you connected, active, healthy, and safe.
The SE also has the same heart rate sensor as most Apple Watches, so you can track your pulse and see how hard you’re working during your workouts. In addition, the display on the Apple Watch SE features a full-color Retina display, which makes it easy to see your stats at a glance. The battery can last up to 18 hours.
The Apple Watch SE is also water-resistant, so you can wear it while swimming or during other strenuous activities. These models are made with an aluminum case and Ion-X front glass materials.
Other notable fitness features:
- Water-resistance at 50 meters
- Retina display that is 30% larger than the Series 3 to track stats
- Monitors high, low, irregular heart rate notifications
- A cellular plan is available.
The differences: One of the main differences between SE and Nike is the ECG and Blood Oxygen apps, which are helpful for fitness tasks, but lacking in the SE model. Other differences include the lack of crack-resistant screen, fast charge, not to mention the Nike Run Club.
Conclusion
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, one of the best smartwatches available on the market today is an Apple Watch. We compared three separate models to help you decide which one is best for your needs. Remember, each model offers different features, so it’s essential to consider your specific requirements before purchasing.
We hope this information was helpful and that you better understand what Apple has to offer to fitness trackers.